Wheelchair

ABSTRACT

A front wheel drive powered wheelchair is provided and may include a support frame, a pair of opposing drive wheels, a pair of drives, and a pair of rear wheels. The frame may include a front portion, a seat post, and two independent arms extending rearward from the front portion. Each drive wheel may be coupled to the front portion of the frame. Each drive may be mounted to the front portion of the frame and may be operatively connected to a respective drive wheel of the pair of drive wheels. Each rear wheel may be coupled to a respective independent arm of the support frame. Each independent arm may be capable of flexing independent of the other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/100,654 filed Dec. 9, 2013, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,571 on Oct. 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/901,821 filed Oct. 11,2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,309 on Oct. 31, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/250,752 filed Oct. 12, 2009, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present application for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally the invention is directed to a wheelchair. More particularly, the invention is directed to a front-wheel drive wheelchair.

BACKGROUND

Powered wheelchairs typically have six wheels, a pair of drives, and a power supply (typically batteries) all mounted to or supported by a frame. While there are many different frame designs that can accommodate the wheels, drives and power supply, these frames are rigid, use a lot of metal and are limited in their functionality. With costs rising, and an increasing demand for wheelchairs having certain functional characteristics, there is a constant need for innovation in the industry. In particular, there is a need for a simple, cost effective wheelchair that accommodates the needs and desires of the users. Such needs may include comfort, and easy battery access.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a front wheel drive powered wheelchair according to the present invention may include a support frame, a pair of opposing drive wheels, a pair of drives, and a pair of rear wheels. The frame may include a front portion, a seat post, and two independent arms extending rearward from the front portion. Each drive wheel may be coupled to the front portion of the frame. Each drive may be mounted to the front portion of the frame and may be operatively connected to a respective drive wheel of the pair of drive wheels. Each rear wheel may be coupled to a respective independent arm of the support frame. Each independent arm may be capable of flexing independent of the other.

In another embodiment, a powered wheelchair may include a frame having a seat post, a seat coupled to the seat post, a power supply assembly supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels mounted to the frame, a pair of drives mounted on the frame, and a shroud mounted over the frame. Each drive may be operatively coupled o a respective drive wheel of the pair of drive wheels. The shroud may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the shroud may cover the power supply assembly and may be removed without removing the seat.

In another embodiment, a powered wheelchair may include a support frame, a seat, a pair of opposing drive wheels, a pair of drives, a pair of rear wheels, and a power supply assembly. The frame may include a front portion, a seat post, and two independent arms extending rearward from the front portion. The seat may be coupled to the seat post. Each drive wheel may be coupled to the front portion of the frame. The drives may be mounted on the frame, and may each be operatively connected to a respective drive wheel of the pair of drive wheels. Each rear wheel may be coupled to a respective independent arm. The power supply assembly, may be fully supported by the two independent arms of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is side elevational view of a front-wheel drive wheelchair constructed in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1A with the entire shroud, seat, and footrest removed for clarity;

FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1A with a portion of the shroud, and the seat removed for clarity;

FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1A with the seat removed for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1A showing a portion of the shroud being removed while the seat is connected to the wheelchair;

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1C showing a battery compartment being removed;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the wheelchair shown in FIG. 1C with the battery compartment completely removed;

FIG. 4A is an enhanced view showing a locking mechanism for locking the battery compartment in place, in a locked position;

FIG. 4B is an enhanced view showing the locking mechanism of FIG. 4B in an unlocked position;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view showing independent arms of the frame flexing; and

FIG. 5B is a rear elevational view of the flexed arms shown in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A preferred frame and other components of a personal mobility device are described herein. An embodiment of a front-wheel drive powered wheelchair that employs this technology is also described. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed conFiguration of a front wheel drive powered wheelchair, but rather encompasses use of this technology disclosed in any powered wheelchair according to the language of the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, FIG. 1A depicts a powered wheelchair 10. Powered wheelchair 10 is a front wheel drive powered wheelchair. Here, “front wheel drive” means that the main drive wheels are nominally in the front of the wheelchair. Though not shown in the Figures, the term “front wheel drive” as used herein encompasses rigid front anti-tip wheels (that is, wheels supported on an arm that is affixed, without the capability to rotate or pivot, to the frame; either raised or on ground-contacting casters), and front anti-tip wheels supported on an arm that pivots on the frame so long as the arm is not biased by motor torque, such as via a mechanical connection (such as a direct connection or connection through a linkage), even though the front anti-tip wheels may be located nominally in front of the drive wheels. The term “front wheel drive” does not encompass front anti-tip wheels that are biased by motor torque by mechanical linkage between the motor and front anti-tip wheels such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,131 (Schaffner). The present invention is not limited to front wheel drive wheelchairs unless specifically recited in the claim, and this definition is merely for clarity of description of the preferred embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, wheelchair 10 includes a support frame 14, a set of drive wheels 18 coupled to the frame 14, and a pair of drive assemblies 22 mounted on the frame 14 and operatively coupled to the drive wheels 18. The frame 14 further includes a set of rear wheel assemblies 26 that are coupled to a rear portion of the frame 14, and a seat 30 that is mounted on top of the frame 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 14 in is a semi-rigid structure that is formed of welded and/or bolted square and round tubing and formed plates. Support frame 14 includes a front portion 34, a seat post 38 extending up from the frame proximate to the front portion 34, a first independent arm 42 extending rearward from the front portion 34, and a second independent arm 46 extending rearward from the front portion 34. The support frame 14 is designed to provide enough support for all of the components of the wheelchair 10 and a user, while at the same time using as little material as possible.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the front portion 34 of the support frame 14 includes two support plates 52, a transverse beam 56 extending between the plates 52, and an angled support plate 60 extending up from the transverse beam 56. The front portion 34 encompasses the portion of frame 14 that is forward to the seat post 38. The front portion 34 is capable of supporting the drive wheels 18, the drive assemblies 22, and a controller 62.

As shown in FIG. 1B, each support plate 52 has a respective drive wheel 18 and drive assembly 22 mounted to it. Each drive assembly 22 includes a motor 68, and a gear box 72. Each motor 68 is connected to one of the drive wheels 18. Motors 68 are preferably mounted transverse to the direction of translation of the wheelchair. As illustrated by arrow A shown for example in FIG. 1B, the direction of translation is parallel to a ground plane surface 74 on which the wheel chair moves forward. A transverse axis of the motors 68 is parallel to the axis of rotation of drive wheels 18 and parallel to the level ground.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the transverse beam 56 extends between the support plates 52 and the angled support 60 extends up from the transverse beam 56. As shown, the frame 14 further includes a footrest support 76 that extends forward from the transverse beam 56. The footrest support 76 supports a footrest 78 as shown in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, the angled support 60 extends up from the transverse beam 56 at an angle and over the drive assemblies 22. The angle support 60 is configured to support the controller 62.

As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D, the wheelchair 10 may also include front anti-tip wheel assemblies 80 that extend from the front portion 34 of the support frame 14. As shown, each front anti-tip wheel assembly 80 includes a wheel 81 that is elevated from the ground plane surface 74.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the seat post 38 extends up from the frame 14 proximate to a rear end of the front portion 34. As shown, the frame 14 further includes a second transverse beam 82 that extends between the first and second independent arms 42 and 46, and helps support the seat post 38. As shown in FIG. 1A, the seat post 38 supports and maintains the seat 30.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the independent arms 42 and 46 each extend rearwardly from a respective support plate 52. As shown, the independent arms 42 and 46 form a major portion of the frame 14. While the arms 42 and 46 are connected by second the transverse beam 82 they are considered independent from each other because a rear portion, behind the seat post 38, of the arms 42 and 46 are not connected to each other. Accordingly, a back end of each arm 42 and 46 is free relative to the other. As shown, the back ends of each independent arm 42 and 46 flares outwardly and forms a ninety degree angle with a major portion of its arm. The flared ends provide more stability to wheelchair 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, a rear wheel assembly 26 is coupled to the back end of each independent arm 42 and 46. The rear wheel assemblies 26 provide stability for wheelchair 10 and are each capable of rotating about a vertical axis. Each rear wheel assembly 26 includes a rear wheel 84 that is rotatably coupled to a bracket 86. Each Bracket 86 is coupled to a respective arm 42 and 46, to thereby attach each rear wheel assembly 26 to the frame 14. Like drive wheels 18, rear wheels 84 are in contact with the ground surface.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the drive assemblies 22 are powered by a power supply assembly 88. Power supply assembly 88 includes two batteries 90 housed in a battery compartment 94. The battery compartment 94 is a box-like structure that spans a distance between the independent arms 42 and 46. As shown, the battery compartment 94 rests on, and is supported by the independent arms 42 and 46. The battery compartment 94 when fully inserted, abuts the second transverse beam 82. The battery compartment 94 provides some rigidity to the frame 14 and in particular to the independent arms 42 and 46. Specifically, the battery compartment 94 prevents the arms 42 and 46 from flexing in a horizontal plane and reduces flexing in an up/down direction. It should be understood, however, that the battery compartment 94 is not to completely reduce vertical flexing as this vertical flexing provides for a built in suspension, which will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the wheelchair 10 includes a shroud 100 that covers the frame 14, along with the batteries 90, the drive assemblies 22, and the controller 62. As shown, the shroud 100 includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 108. The shroud 100 is designed such that the batteries 90 may be easily uncovered and accessed with minimal hassle for the user.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the first portion 104 comprises a majority of the shroud 100. The first portion 104 includes a slot 112 that extends rearward from a front of the portion 104. As shown, the slot 112 is generally U-shaped or V-shaped, and is open at the front of the first portion 104. The slot 112 extends from the open front to a point proximate to a rear of the seat post 38. Thus, the seat post 38 extends up and through the slot 112 of the first portion 104. The first portion 104 also includes two fenders 116 formed on each side of the first portion 104. The fenders 116 partially cover the drive wheels 18 to thereby act as splash guards.

The second portion 108 of the shroud 100 is affixed to the frame 14 and covers at least a portion of the drive assemblies 22, and the controller 62. As shown, the second portion 108 is U-shaped or V-shaped and generally covers the portion of wheelchair 10 that is exposed by the slot 112 of the first portion 104. Accordingly, the second portion 108 extends from a front of the frame 14 up to a point proximate to a front of the seat post 38.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 104 of the shroud 100 may be removed without removing the seat 30. Because the first portion 104 includes the slot 112 having an open front, the first portion 104 may be unfastened and then pulled rearward, to thereby remove the first portion 104 and expose the power supply assembly 88 without removing the seat 33. Accordingly, with such a design, a user can have easy access to the batteries 90.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the power supply assembly 88 may be removed once the first portion 104 of the shroud 100 is removed. As shown, the power supply assembly 88 may be removed by pulling the battery compartment 94 rearward. The battery compartment 94 may cooperate with the independent arms 42 and 46 such that the battery compartment 94 slides along the independent arms 42 and 46 like a kitchen drawer being opened and closed. Accordingly, the battery compartment 94 includes a rail 120 on each side of the battery compartment 94 that engages a respective independent arm 42 and 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the rails 120 are defined by spaced apart hooks. As shown in FIG. 3B, the battery compartment 94 may be completely removed thereby providing a user easy access to the batteries 90.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B the battery compartment includes a locking mechanism 108. The locking mechanism 108 may ensure that the battery compartment 94 is in place prior to placing the first portion 104 of the shroud 100 back onto the wheelchair 10. This would build in a safety mechanism before a user utilizes the wheelchair 10. As shown, the locking mechanism 108 is formed on a back side of the battery compartment 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery compartment 94 includes two locking mechanisms 108, one formed on each side of the battery compartment 94. Each locking mechanism 108 may be a thumb screw that connects to a respective independent arm 42 and 46. FIG. 4A shows the locking mechanism 108 in a latched position, and FIG. 4B shows the locking mechanism 108 in an unlatched position.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, each independent arm 42 and 46 is capable of flexing independent of the other. That is, each independent arm 42 and 46 may function like a leaf spring when necessary. Such a design forms a suspension in the wheelchair 10. Depending on certain factors such as length of the arms, and material used, each arm 42 and 46 may flex about ⅛-2 inches relative to the other. It should be understood, however, that the arms 42 and 46 are not limited to a flex range of ⅛-2 inches and may include flexing ranges outside of this range. The structural design of the arms 42 and 46 will depend on well know parameters, such as choice of material, desired magnitude of flexing, length of the arms and other sizes of components, weight of the batteries, and the like.

The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, as the invention extends to all structures, methods and uses that are within the scope of the appended claims. Further, several advantages have been described that flow from the structure and methods; the present invention is not limited to structure and methods that encompass any or all of these advantages. Those skilled in personal mobility technology, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications to the invention as described herein, and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, any features of one described embodiment can be applicable to the other embodiments described herein. For example, any features or advantages related to the design of the frame, shroud, or battery compartment with respect to discussion of a particular wheelchair embodiment can be applicable to any other wheelchair embodiments. 

What is claimed:
 1. A front wheel drive powered wheelchair comprising: a frame including a front portion and two independent arms extending rearward from the front portion; a power supply assembly that engages the two independent arms such that the power supply assembly is removably supported by the two independent arms; a pair of opposing drive wheels coupled to the front portion of the frame; a pair of drives mounted on the frame, each drive operatively coupled to a respective drive wheel; and a pair of rear wheels, each rear wheel coupled to a respective independent arm.
 2. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein each independent arm is capable of flexing independent of the other.
 3. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the power supply assembly includes a battery compartment and at least one battery positioned in the battery compartment.
 4. The wheelchair of claim 3, wherein the power supply assembly slidably engages the independent arms from the rear.
 5. The wheelchair of claim 3, wherein the independent arms are configured to slidably receive the battery compartment such that the battery compartment is supported by and rests on the independent arms without first removing a seat that is supported by the front portion.
 6. The wheelchair of claim 1, further comprising a seat post extending up from the front portion of the frame.
 7. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein each independent arm includes a back end that flares outwardly away from the other independent arm, and the rear wheels are coupled to the flared back ends.
 8. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the front portion includes a transverse beam that extends between the independent arms, and wherein the front portion further includes a seat post that extends up from the transverse beam.
 9. The wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the frame has a max length measured along a first direction from a front end of the frame to a back end of the frame, and the independent arms have a length measured along the first direction that is a major portion of the max length.
 10. The wheelchair of claim 9, further comprising a footrest supported by the front end of the frame.
 11. A method of recharging or replacing a battery of a powered wheelchair, the method comprising the steps of: removing a battery compartment that is entirely supported by a pair of independent arms extending rearward from a transverse beam without first removing a seat that is supported by a seat post extending up from the transverse beam; recharging or replacing at least one battery retained by the battery compartment; and moving the battery compartment onto the independent arms such that the battery compartment is entirely supported by the independent arms.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the removing step comprises the sliding the battery compartment rearward along the independent arms, and wherein the moving step comprises sliding the battery compartment forward along the independent arms.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: locking the battery compartment onto the independent arms with a locking mechanism; and mounting a shroud onto the independent arms over the battery compartment, wherein the shroud cannot be mounted unless the locking mechanism has locked the battery compartment onto the independent arms. 